By SCM AVIATION REPORTER
RUSSIA’S latest passenger jet engine has survived a “brutal” mid-air nightmare after being pelted with a simulated flock of birds at full throttle.
Engineers at state-owned tech giant Rostec put the high-tech PD-8 engine through its paces in a high-stakes certification trial designed to mimic a pilot’s worst fear: a bird strike during takeoff.
During the “heavy” test, the engine was forced to ingest a volley of simulated birds while running at maximum thrust.
Despite the impact, the engine didn’t skip a beat, continuing to provide full power in a result that will be a massive boost for Moscow’s aviation bosses.
Crucially, Rostec confirmed that no live birds were harmed during the trial, with experts using specialized “simulants” to test the engine’s durability.
The PD-8 is the heart of Russia’s mission to build its own fleet of “import-substituted” aircraft.
By passing this “bird-strike hell,” the engine is one step closer to powering the SJ-100 Superjet—the short-haul airliner Russia hopes will replace Western-made Boeings and Airbuses.
”The engine kept running at full thrust,” a source confirmed. “It’s built to withstand the toughest conditions the sky can throw at it.”
The PD-8 engine is a critical piece of the puzzle for the Russian aerospace industry.
Following international sanctions, Russia has been cut off from Western components, including engines from giants like CFM International.
The Goal: The PD-8 is designed to power the SJ-100, a “Russified” version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100.
The Tech: It is a turbofan engine developed by United Engine Corporation (part of Rostec). It has been fast-tracked to ensure Russia can maintain a domestic civil aviation fleet.
The Safety: Bird strikes are a major cause of aviation incidents.
Certification requires engines to either shut down safely or continue functioning after hitting a bird to ensure the plane can return to the airport. Passing this test at “full thrust” suggests the PD-8 is exceptionally resilient.
